Home » Early Childhood Program » Pre-School Services

Pre-School Services

Programs For Children 3 to 5 years

Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center and Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center at Fredonia offer preschool programs to serve children ages 3 to 5 years with significant speech/ language delays and developmental disabilities.

The program uses a unique combination of clinical and educational techniques to help children achieve their maximum potential. Our staff believe that children learn best through play in an environment that is positive, nurturing and natural. Children are taught according to their individual ability and strength.

Funding for the preschool services is provided by the New York State Education Department and the counties of Western New York. Services and transportation are provided at no cost to families.

What Services are offered?

Classroom Programs

The center-based classroom programs offer ½ day sessions 5 days a week. Classrooms consist of a maximum of 12 children and are staffed by a team that includes a special education teacher, speech language pathologist, and teacher aide. A multidisciplinary team consisting of a physical therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, music therapist and  psychologist, are available to ensure children receive the comprehensive services they may need.   Our North Street location offers a full day 6:1:1 classroom with a team of professionals assigned to the program to best meet the needs of the children.

In September of 2007, two additional full day 6:1:1 classrooms opened at North Street.  These classrooms are designed to service children exhibiting characteristics of Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) and Pervasive Developmental Disorders-NOS (PDD-NOS).  The staff members working in these classrooms utilize the Floortime teaching approach to improve each child's social/emotional, academic, speech-language, fine and gross motor skills.

The Center's Parent Connection is also available to families in our program. The Parent Connection is a resource center and informational hub where parents can utilize a lending library and use the internet to link to the National Parent Information Network. The Parent Connection offers parents a place to receive support and relax with other parents, have a cup of coffee, and talk about concerns. Parent support groups are organized as needed, and the Center's parent liaison is always there to provide a helping hand or sympathetic ear.

The integrated classroom program is designed to allow children with disabilities to learn and play with typically developing peers. The program combines special education and early childhood education to achieve the child's individual goals. Our  integrated classrooms are located throughout Western New York and operate through collaborations with Head Start, day care facilities, and SUNY Fredonia.

Community Services

Community services are available for children who are eligible to receive therapy in a least restrictive environment. Children receive therapy in community settings, such as daycare centers, preschools, head start, or in their home. A full spectrum of services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and special education itinerant teachers are available.

Who is eligible for preschool services?

Children ages 3 to 5 years, who are diagnosed with a communication and/or developmental disability and are in need of special education services may be eligible for preschool services. The program is coordinated through local school districts Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE). The CPSE determines the child's eligibility for services and recommends the appropriate level of service to meet the child's needs. If you have concerns about your child's development, contact the Committee on Preschool Education Chairperson in your school district.

What are the benefits of the preschool program?

• Interdisciplinary team approach
• Developmentally appropriate techniques
• Family-centered philosophy
• Highly trained qualified staff
• Current resources
• Parent communication
• Tradition of providing children with services they need in order to develop their full potential